UN Approves First Resolution on AI Deployment

News Desk 

Islamabad: The United Nations General Assembly passed its inaugural resolution on Artificial Intelligence (AI) on March 21st. 

This marks the first-ever resolution passed by the UN Assembly on AI.

Supported by the United States and endorsed by 123 nations, the resolution emphasizes a global dedication to utilizing AI for the common good while ensuring it adheres to human rights principles and maintains safety, security, and trustworthiness.

This landmark resolution received unanimous approval, with all 193 UN member states reaching a broad consensus on the principles governing AI technology’s use.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris hailed the resolution as a historic milestone, highlighting its crucial role in guiding the safe deployment and advancement of AI while prioritizing public interests and safeguarding individuals from potential harm.

Months of collaborative efforts led to the formulation of the resolution, with the United States leading negotiations alongside more than 120 countries, including traditional adversaries such as Russia and China.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the consensus reached, portraying it as a unified commitment by UN member states to drive technological progress forward.

Bridging Digital Divides

Central to the resolution is a pledge to close the digital disparity between wealthy nations and developing economies.

Its goal is to promote fair engagement in AI dialogues and empower developing countries with the necessary technology and skills to utilize AI’s diverse advantages.

These benefits encompass disease detection, flood prediction, agricultural support, and workforce development.

AI Governance Imperative

Recognizing the swift progression of AI, the resolution highlights the pressing need for an international consensus to promote the development of safe, secure, and reliable AI systems. It acknowledges the dynamic landscape of AI governance and calls for continued discussions on effective governance strategies, stressing the interdependent nature of innovation and regulation.

Responsible AI Guidance

While not legally binding, the resolution acts as a crucial beacon for ethical AI practices.

It urges stakeholders from various sectors—such as governments, technology industries, civil society, academia, and media—to craft and adhere to regulatory frameworks that promote the ethical use of AI.

Additionally, it warns against the improper or malicious deployment of AI, emphasizing adherence to international laws and the protection of human rights at all stages of AI development and implementation.

Global Collaboration on AI

In line with the UN’s sustainable development goals for 2030, the resolution portrays AI as a driving force for advancement in crucial domains like eliminating hunger and poverty, improving global healthcare, guaranteeing education for all, and advancing gender parity.

It urges UN member nations to work together to enable access to digital innovations and ensure the safety of AI systems, emphasizing the critical need to prioritize human rights and basic freedoms throughout the development and implementation of AI.

Why Does AI Matter?

In a groundbreaking resolution, the global community has united to encourage all nations, regional and global entities, technological communities, civil society groups, media organizations, academic institutions, research bodies, and individuals to work together.

They aim to develop and endorse regulatory and governance mechanisms for ensuring the safety of AI systems.

The resolution emphasizes the need to prevent improper or malevolent design, creation, implementation, and utilization of AI systems.

Furthermore, the resolution underscores the critical importance of upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms. This should occur throughout the entire lifecycle of AI systems.